Businesses of all sizes and sectors came together last night (12/3) to celebrate MK’s remarkable achievements at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.
Despite the spread of COVID-19 stopping many events from taking place this month, on the advice of Public Health England, the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2020 (MKBAA), ironically themed around Health & Wellbeing, went ahead as scheduled.
The theme for MKBAA2020 dominated conversations throughout the night, with the increasing prevalence of mental and emotional support in the workplace highlighted by speakers and key guests alike.
After five long years in storage, the MKFM pod also made an appearance. Lots of guests were spotted reminiscing about where MKFM began all those years ago.
Nick Bitel, Chair of Sport England, gave an insightful speech about the health inequalities and diverse communities in Milton Keynes and the important role that exercise plays in reducing the risk factors associated with mental and physical health conditions. Guests also heard from Drewe Broughton, ex-Championship footballer, whose inspirational story saw him go from self-doubt and soul-searching to accepting that: “I can’t be MORE THAN I am”!
Jointly hosted by Gail Emms MBE and Mark Ormerod, Chairman of SportsAid Eastern, MKBAA once again delivered an evening of great anticipation and celebration for the inspiring businesses of Milton Keynes.
The big winners of Milton Keynes' most prestigious awards were SBD Automotive, who picked up Business of the Year, sponsored by Hillier Hopkins, as well as a category award for Small & Medium Business.
With The Stables celebrating the BIG 50 this year, MKBAA 2020 was immensely proud to name its founder, Dame Cleo Laine DBE, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Barclays.
MKBAA 2020 saw more entries and support than ever before. Headline sponsors included Shoosmiths, KPMG, The Open University and Milton Keynes Council.
MKBAA 2020 Winners:
Professional Services – Sponsored by dbfb
Cook Investment Group
Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Bletchley Park
Ride High
Business Impact in the Community – Sponsored by NiftyLift
My Milton Keynes
Leisure & Entertainment – Sponsored by Milton Keynes Community Foundation
Willen Lake
New Business – Sponsored by Cranfield University
Spotless Garments
Design & Creativity – Sponsored by MKBLP
Cygnus
Small & Medium Business – Sponsored by SJD Electrical
SBD Automotive
Customer Service – Sponsored by Holiday Inn Milton Keynes
Acorn Early Years Foundation
Culture & Arts – Sponsored by David Lock Associates
MK Gallery
Technology Business – Sponsored by Integral Powertrain
Xero
Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Keens Shay Keens
Tref Griffiths
Health & Wellbeing – Sponsored by Mazars
Personal Group
Innovation – Sponsored by Suzuki
Safety Centre (Hazard Alley)
Organised by Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP), in association with full-service marketing agency Interdirect and event management experts Evolution Live, this years’ awards recognised the highest achieving businesses across Milton Keynes.
Nicholas Mann, Chair of MKBLP, said: “Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards, a truly inspirational group of individuals and businesses. Now in its seventh consecutive year, MKBAA continues to grow and I would like to thank all of our sponsors, supporters, judges and events team members for continuing to make this fantastic celebration of business success possible."
For all the latest info from MKBAA, including the date for MKBAA 2021, follow @MK_BAA on Twitter and Facebook and join the discussion on LinkedIn.
